Effectiveness of WhatsApp Education and Support Messages for Urolithiasis Prevention

Kidney and ureteral stones are a common problem in primary care practice with increasing prevalence over the last few decades. Prevention of recurrent stones (which are usually composed primarily of calcium oxalate) is aimed at decreasing the concentrations of the lithogenic factors. There are several metabolic and dietary treatable components. In all patients with urolithiasis, adequate fluid intake and lower body mass index are key components to reducing the risk of recurrent stones. For most patients, additional beneficial dietary modifications are increasing intake of fruits and vegetables which are rich in potassium, and reducing intake of candies and sweetened juices which are rich in sucrose and fructose. In addition, for patients who have been prescribed medications, adherence to medication may become an important issue over the long term. Mobile technology has the potential to optimize health care and patient's adherence, especially through personal education and dissemination of health information. One of the most common technologies available on mobile is the WhatsApp Messenger® application. WhatsApp is a freeware messaging service; it allows streamlining patient-provider communication via text and voice messages, video clips and images. The research hypotheses are, first, that use of WhatsApp to disseminate information regarding stones preventive measures will have a substantial positive effect on follow-up compliance and on patient's adherence to the preventive measures. Second, the investigators expect reduction in cumulative stone recurrence rate.